Artist development
The Mic Sessions
What it is
Helping artists grow their voices.
The Mic Sessions (TMS) is an artist development workshop series that utilizes a nuanced understanding of Emotional Literacy, performance, and behavioral science to help artists grow their voices.
The initial mission was to build and develop a collective of artists that have the power and desire to change the world utilizing these principles.
Over the years since its beginnings in Leila Steinberg's living room, sessions have been held in many settings — including legendary music studios, top agencies in Entertainment and Business, and on sacred lands with traditionally marginalized groups.
Voices developed in the space
Tupac Shakur
Omari Hardwick
DeSean Jackson
H.E.R.
Earl Sweatshirt
Fana Hues
Over the years, many prominent artists, athletes, and entertainers have been a part of The Mic Sessions and developed their voices and skills in Emotional Literacy within the space.
The Mic Sessions — where voices get built
The lineage
It started in a living room.
Our Founder, Leila Steinberg, is a legendary Music industry executive — most notably for her role as the mentor and first manager of world-renowned artist Tupac Shakur and others.
That lineage of artist development is not a historical footnote. It's the method. The same principles that shaped those early sessions — emotional honesty, disciplined craft, and accountability to community — are what artists work through today.
As a result, many of AIM's former students, facilitators, partner organizations, and collaborators are well-known celebrities, athletes, executives, and artists.
What to expect
Not an open mic. A workshop.
Emotional Literacy
Artists work on identifying, understanding, and expressing emotion productively — the same curriculum AIM brings into schools and facilities.
Performance
Craft is developed in front of people. Sessions build the skill of holding a room and reading it at the same time.
Behavioral science
A nuanced understanding of how people respond to art and to each other informs how each session is structured.
Attending a Mic Sessions challenged my critical thinking and made me think more deeply on issues.
Support the work
Keep the sessions free and open.
Donations sponsor the facilitators, artists, and spaces that make this work possible — no matter the setting.